Long Runs, Big Challenges: What Female Ultramarathoners Face

Female ultramarathon runners are pushing their limits, but their bodies might be paying a price. These athletes run distances longer than a marathon, often on tough mountain trails. More women are joining in, but not much is known about how this sport affects their health, especially their reproductive system. A group of female runners were asked about their health. Most were under 40 and had given birth before. Nearly half had irregular periods. This is way more than the average woman. Even more surprising, about 3 in 10 had stopped getting their periods altogether. This was more common in runners over 40. Another issue was bladder control. Almost 4 in 10 runners had some form of urinary incontinence. This is also higher than the average woman. Interestingly, neither the number of races run nor previous childbirths seemed to make these problems worse. These findings show that female ultramarathoners might face unique health challenges. More research is needed to understand and address these issues. It's important for these athletes to be aware of potential health risks and take care of their bodies.